roguelite action game ink kingdom will be released in early access for PC via Steam on May 17, publisher 663 Games and developers Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio announced. A full release for unspecified consoles and PC will be released later in 2024.
The early access version will include the following content:
- Complete levels of four acts and eight bosses.
- The first playable character, Red the Swordswoman, with three weapons.
- Complete set for 20 Ink Gem skills in four levels.
- Complete set for 15 Ink Pets in four levels and more than 40 shapes.
- More than 150 advantages to provide various construction possibilities.
- The first layer of world building and about 30 percent of the story.
- Endless game mode for challenge seekers.
During the early access period, the game will be updated frequently with optimizations and content additions that follow a detailed development roadmap. This includes more playable characters, expanded weapon sets, more Ink Pet gameplay mechanics, bosses, and more.
“We are incredibly excited to launch ink kingdom in Steam Early Access and take the next step in our development journey,” Leap Studio CEO Dai said in a press release. “While we aim for a flawless official launch, as a newly formed independent game studio, we recognize that our experience and resources continue to grow. “We recognize that only by relying on genuine feedback and suggestions from players can we continually refine our product and deliver the best gaming experience possible.”
Here’s an overview of the game, via 663 Games:
About
While searching for a cunning demon Zorro, the heroine and expert swordsman Red discovers that she is a fictional character within the collection of short stories called Realm of Ink. Only by unlocking the dark secrets of the Spirit of the Book will Red discover the truth of her existence and challenge her destiny.
The story takes place in a virtual kingdom called the “Kingdom of Ink”, where the inhabitants unknowingly exist as mere fabrications within a fictional world. Controlled by the mysterious Spirit of the Book, they obediently follow predetermined destinies, oblivious to their cyclical lives.
In Realm of Ink, the puppets awaken; You’ll initially play as the swordsman Red before progressively unlocking other characters. With the help of the ancient Scriptbound Fox and the immortal power of the mysterious Fox Blood, you will defeat four bosses to claim your own destiny. During the journey, the long-lost Ink Gems are rediscovered and the truth of the Spirit of the Book is gradually revealed. Soon, Red and others discover that they are just fictional characters in the Ink Kingdom. Everything seems destined: the old world will collapse as a new world forms, and awakened spirits will reshape their true selves amid countless cycles of destruction.
Key Features
- Exquisite ink style art – From the green Buddhist forests, the frozen and enchanted Monkey Kingdom and the gentle but terrifying water lands to the ancient and reverent ruins of the Mausoleum, each of the four themed stages is distinctive. But be careful, behind the beautiful landscape, there are numerous lurking demons and hidden dangers. What secrets are hidden in the past of the three protagonists and several dozen NPCs? Accept the challenges and discover the truths!
- Various combinations and constructions – Ink gems have varied appearances and will reinforce each other. Use them to explore various martial arts school buildings and master powerful Yin and Yang skills to defeat enemies with a single blow.
- Discover rare magical treasures – Hundreds of rare magic treasures trigger various unique effects and provide distinctive attribute bonuses, boosting your martial arts schools and allowing you to defeat all enemies effortlessly! You can also engage in long-term character development outside of combat and unlock new move combinations and combat styles. With a dual cycle system in and out of combat, you’ll have a new experience every time!
- A journey into the unknown, composed of different stages – Explore a variety of stages and battle routes where you can collect ink relics, fortune and magical treasures, as well as duel bosses. On this exciting journey into the unknown, you will enter various stages and encounter a diverse cast of NPCs, making the entire journey full of surprises!
- Fight alongside your intimate ink pets – Of mysterious origin and adorable appearance, the Ink Pets will be your companions. As Ink Gems level up, your Ink Pets will also undergo a transformation, becoming more powerful to fight alongside you!
Watch a new trailer below.